Drivers face nationwide traffic chaos: air ambulances and specialist teams scrambled

01/26/2026

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Drivers risk nationwide traffic chaos amid urgent response from air ambulance and 'specialist teams'

Travel across the UK has been hit hard today as Storm Goretti brings snow, fallen trees and multiple serious incidents that are slowing traffic and forcing emergency responses. Commuters face long waits, and authorities are urging people to rethink journeys while crews work to clear roads and assist those affected.

Storm-driven disruption: where conditions are worst

Across several regions, weather and collisions have combined to create significant hold-ups. National Highways has issued alerts urging drivers to avoid non-essential travel where possible.

  • Derbyshire: The A628 Woodhead Pass is closed both ways between the A616 (Flouch) and the A57 (Hollingworth) following heavy snow.
  • Kent: A stretch of road near the Port of Dover is shut while an incident receives emergency attention. The Air Ambulance is on scene.
  • Cornwall: The A30 is blocked by multiple fallen trees between the A394 (Longrock) and the A3074 (Longstone).

Major closures and live hotspots to watch

Woodhead Pass — snow and gridlock

Snow on the high moorland has forced the A628 to close. Traffic cameras show heavy congestion as drivers attempt peak-time journeys.

Port of Dover area — emergency response underway

Police and medical teams are attending an active scene near the port. There is currently no estimate for when the road will reopen.

A30 in Cornwall — fallen trees and specialist recovery teams

Large trees are blocking lanes on the A30. Local highways crews and specialist teams are clearing the carriageway, but delays remain likely.

Planned diversions and alternative routes

Where closures are in force, official diversion routes have been issued. Drivers should follow signs and local advice.

  • Eastbound around the Cornwall blockage: A394, B3302, B3301.
  • Westbound around the Cornwall blockage: B3301, B3302, A394.
  • When approaching long closures, follow temporary diversion signs and solid circle route markers where displayed.

Emergency services: what crews are doing now

Ambulance, police and highway teams are coordinating at several incidents. The Air Ambulance has been dispatched to at least one serious collision.

  • Police are managing cordons and assessing scene safety.
  • Highways crews are removing debris and deploying gritters where needed.
  • Specialist tree-clearance teams are prioritising reopened lanes on major routes.

Motorists should expect delays while these operations continue.

Practical tips for drivers during the disruption

Officials recommend delaying travel if possible and checking live traffic updates before setting off.

  • Check National Highways and local police channels for live road status.
  • Allow extra time, and keep fuel and a phone charger on hand.
  • Follow diversion signage; do not attempt to bypass closures.
  • If you encounter stranded vehicles or hazards, report them and keep a safe distance.

How traffic looks right now and what to monitor

Traffic cameras show long queues on affected corridors, with standstill delays in some areas. Rush-hour peaks may extend the disruption.

Authorities continue to update incident pages. Drivers should monitor official feeds and plan alternatives where possible.

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